Pressed into action – practice
in Defending
Apply pressure, regain possession and then use the ball in this three-part session. By MICHAEL PHILP MORE
The next… Fernandinho
Fernandinho has shown how a defensive midfielder can intercept the ball to break up attacks and then begin a counter attack. This session will help your players emulate the Manchester City star.
What this session is about
- Intercepting or “stealing” to win possession.
- Learning how to read the play. I.e., predict when and where the other team will pass the ball.
- Starting the counter attack.
What to think about
- Anticipate the pass – does the passer’s eye or head movement give away their intentions?
- Defensive principles – apply pressure, make play predictable and use good communication.
- Use a quick pass to start a counter attack.
Set-up
Use one ball and four players in a 10-yard square area for the session. Use an area 35 yards long by 20 yards wide for the development and game situation.
| Warm up | Session | Developments | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Play 3v1 keepaway. Award a point to the attackers for completing five passes. The defender earns a point for knocking the ball out of play or forcing the attackers to kick it out, and two points for stealing the ball. Play two-touch and switch defenders after each minute of play.
Play a 3v1 keepaway game. The defender tries to intercept the ball.
Development
Divide the pitch into two halves and use two teams. Two players from team B go into team A’s half of the pitch and try to win the ball in a 4v2.
Team A wins a point for making five consecutive passes in their own half. The two players from team B earn two points for their team by winning the ball and passing it back to a team mate in their own half.
If that happens, they and two players from team A enter team B’s half and start a new 4v2, with the objectives reversed.
Two players from one team try to steal the ballback from the opposition and take it to their half of the pitch.
Game situation
Play a small-sided game and condition the number of touches a player can have to two, to encourage lots of passing and therefore opportunities to intercept the ball.
To progress, lift the two-touch restrictions.
In a small-sided game, play two-touch so there is lots of passing which offers a good chance of being intercepted.
